They argue that some won't be able to afford to live in the area or will have to move into something much smaller at Mulberry Park.

But housing association, Curo, has said its proposal for "much-needed regeneration" of Foxhill has the backing of many local residents.

The communities minister could trigger an inquiry into Curo’s plans for Foxhill. Credit: ITV West Country

A letter written on behalf of the communities secretary said:

“In exercise of his powers under Article 31 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015, the Secretary of State hereby directs Bath and North East Somerset Council not to grant permission on this application without specific authorisation.

“This direction is issued to enable him to consider whether he should direct under Section 77 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 that the application should be referred to him for determination.”